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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

A True Introvert

Those people who saw me leaping around the podium at #Congress_2018 would say "there goes an extrovert".

In Extrovert Mode at Congress

They are wrong. If I have a role to play like welcoming people to an event or addressing a crowd I am in my element but when I am "Just Jill" I am a rather shy old girl, I don't like big parties and occasions where I am thrown into groups of strangers. I love my own company and can happily spend days by myself.

I recently read this excerpt from a blog post that describes me - I am a true introvert.

"A true introvert is not a "shy person". No. Introverts often have very vibrant personalities, and can appear to be the life of the party. The difference is that we need plenty of "alone time" to recharge. Once our energy is spent there needs to be some solitude in which to build our social energy back up. Also, we like to get to the point. This means that we love conversation- as long as it isn't "small talk". If we aren't interested in the weather or some sporting event, we check out."

Wow, Jill, thanks for the quote on what an introvert really is and thanks to Julie Jackson for the original post. I have wondered how I can enjoy teaching about DNA so much when I really do not like public speaking or being on stage. Conferences and institutes exhaust me and I can barely think straight after a few days. But they are so inspiring at the same time. This must be fairly common for genealogists who spend so much time working alone.

Hi Jill, I once heard quote (source forgotten - possibly Jung) that said something like: introverts don't have a lot to say but when they do speak it is well worth listening. It was well worth listening to you at the Conference. I too am very glad of a quiet week to follow it up. Gayle